Most often than not, a Titan soldier was proud! They must be so proud of their motherland! While majority of monarchies in the Westland were still stuck in the backward practices of dividing and conferring properties, Titans’ rulers determined a relatively complete system of military service. While the kings of those monarchies were still imposing hypocritical religious teachings of God of Light on their knights, Titan soldiers regarded their shoulder straps as a great profession.

The achievement of the Titan army system was concentrated down to the point that its functional attributes were determined. To put it in plain language, in a stable and unified sovereign state, the purpose of a military service included only two aspects; one was to protect the homeland, and the other was to invade people’s land in order to expand their own. Most of the time, Titan soldiers only related themselves to the first aspect because Titan has been on the defensive for too long! As for the second point, only very few Titan soldiers cared about it, but some actually regard it as a scholarly subject to study intensively. The outcome of the research was unclear, however, and it was said that those who researched this subject matter were well-known madmen and lunatics within the armed forces.

It was certainly not an easy task to manage an army force consisting of seventy or eighty thousand soldiers, and it had to be measured and controlled by a certain type of precision instrument. This instrument was assembled by noble military officer corps, commanded by Imperial army, and generally controlled by the Military Command Center of nineteen Main Regions and Army Group to carry out specific arrangements.

This superior leadership system moulded the tradition of the Titan army to put military commands above all else, but at times, this rigid obedience of command also ruined many possible victories, putting precious time spent on strategy planning and innocent lives into vain.

However, in the opinion of His Imperial Highness Prince O’Neil Andrew Morisette, rigidity was not the Archilles’ heel of these Titan army. The real weakness of these armed forces was because in the command system consisting of noble military officer corps, only a few genuinely understood military affairs! It was simply a corps consisting of morons and idiots in military uniform who fantasized about uniform fetishism. Certainly, a noble with light golden hair in well-pressed military uniform would attract a large number of young ladies. What Oscar truly could not understand was why the Empire decided to pass the control of their armed forces over to a bunch of people who knew nothing about military affairs? Was it simply because they were of noble background? Or was it due to their long-history of family heritage and prominent titles?

“Exactly like this one beside me!” Oscar glanced over to the Second Prince who was gushing forth in streams of wondrous eloquence. This fella here was a completely deranged man who constantly fantasized about being a commander-in-chief, or a super hero who had the capability to behead millions of enemy troops.

“I… I always thought you were a quiet person.”

The enthusiastic second son of Alfa III looked at his brother-in-law in astonishment.

“Maybe. I only voice my opinion on matters that interest me, regarding other ridiculous issues… I don’t think they’re worth my effort to even think about them.”

“That I can tell!” Oscar nodded, “Perhaps this is a virtue of yours.”

“Thanks!” Second Prince turned his head over to the other side and suddenly screamed as if he just discovered a mysterious foreign object.

“Look! That’s the decision center of Military Academy which was where most of the famous wars in Imperial military history were planned out!”

Oscar half-heartedly threw a couple of glances over the building and nodded occasionally, but he knew that the Second Prince was not genuinely trying to make a conversation with him anyway.

“Can you tell me where are we heading?” the young prince finally asked impatiently. He was shaking from cold because they have been travelling in the landau for a while now!

“What? Have you forgotten already?” Lobmus appeared upset, “Oscar, I have to warn you strictly that this is really a bad behaviour. You’re considered a proper soldier once you entered the gate of Imperial Military Academy! Let me remind you once again on the concept of being a good soldier. First is to obey any orders, second you have to handle your affairs with purpose and order…”

Oscar turned his head over to the other side. He regretted inviting the Second Prince to come along with him. Since the Highness was enrolled two years earlier than himself, Oscar thought he might be able to be a guide and assist him in adapting the new environment. However, it appeared that the Highness was as clueless as a newcomer in his own school. Moreover, he resembled his father Alfa III the most when lecturing others.

“My brother-in-law! To be a soldier is a noble occupation, we soldiers are nothing like politicians or bureaucrats. As a member of this imperial family, we have taken on the responsibility of protecting our homes and defending our country! All grace to the God of Light! Here you are now! I don’t have to fight alone anymore…”

Oscar rolled his eyes, “Thank you! That’s my honor!”

Finally, Oscar managed to get rid of the Second Prince when the time came for orientation. For the past two days, he has grasped some basic understanding about these two legitimate heirs to the throne. One dreamt to become a hotel owner, and the other yearned to be a commander-in-chief of an entire army. In short, these two fellas were rather unusual, and would fail the qualification test of a prince miserably.

Oscar forced himself to marshal his messy thoughts. He decided from today onwards, he would try his best to be…. a qualified lieutenant-general.

The construction of Imperial Military Academy was extensive, from city proper of Sparjoxin to the forest suburbs. Although Military Academy did not provide as many modules as Dulin University, the academic subjects offered were still provided with proper objectivity. Any complete novice in military affairs would be able to acquire a lifetime of knowledge after studying diligently for a few years in here. If nothing else, all military-related topics would be at their fingertips. Nonetheless, it should be made clear that learning was one thing, and putting what you learn into practice was another.

Due to the lack of opportunities to test their learning outcomes, students of Dulin Imperial Military Academy were not adequate in practical work, and the Second Prince was an apparent example of that. The current Military Academy was not so much an institution for proper military education but resembled a kindergarten for the children coming from noble, eminent knights or army families. Not only that, the graduates from this academy were full of nothing but pride. They also always considered themselves a cut above the rests and acted superior at work. However, majority of the graduates were unemployed, and these guys of different ranks lived meaningless but luxurious days in the empire in their clean-cut uniforms. According to them, they only served when the Empire needed them, beautifying their aimless lives as if they were some mythical heroes.

Of course, the messy organizational system of the imperial army always lacked aristocratic officers. The imperial army dare not promote the civilian soldiers, therefore these young but arrogant and worthless cadets became their only choice. However, these students were not easy to please, they bargained with the military, some complained the positions offered too low, some complained the stations too remote… In short, even when the Empire needed them these guys would not necessarily be eager to volunteer themselves.

On the first day of his enrolment, Oscar could already feel the languid atmosphere that lingered in the air. Students gathered in their accommodation with the fireplaces ignited, songs of music and dance accompanied by laughter filled every corner of the campus. Fields for training purposes were so empty that thick snow gathered until almost half a meter in height. Public stables appeared to be the busiest location as young soldiers in uniforms gathered in twos and threes murmured in discussion. Without a doubt, they must be discussing about the active odds for the next round of betting.

“Perhaps it is because of winter?” Oscar could only comfort himself. His first impression of this Imperial Military Academy already left him with great disappointment, although he was sure more discouragement would soon be discovered later.

“What do you think about it, my young Highness Prince?” General Raleigh Thomas said casually. He did not regard himself as the prince’s mentor, in his eyes they were on the same level as the prince held the same Lieutenant General position as himself.

“Um… how do I put them into words?” Oscar found himself scratching his head. Although they were only meeting for the first time, Oscar did not dislike this mentor. “I’m still rather confused about things around here.”

“Haha! As your mentor, I think I should give you some words of advice!” General Raleigh said while simultaneously straightening his desk, “Now that you’re here studying to be a successful commanding officer in the future, I sincerely advise you to lock yourself at home to read more treatise.”

“Why so?” Oscar was confused, “Isn’t warfare the best way to test military knowledge and theories about war? I think we should consider more of combining theory and practice.”

“Of course, you are absolutely right!” Raleigh Thomas stopped whatever he was doing at the moment and nodded, “But the damn Imperial Army and the surrounding enemies wouldn’t give us the chance.”

Oscar fell deep into his thought, but General Raleigh just waved his hands, “Young man, study hard, and don’t go out so often! This is an honest advice from an old instructor. Regarding the questions that you now think ridiculous, time will answer your doubts.”

“General Raleigh, I’m here to study, you can rest assured about that, but you’re asking me to stay home and not go out….”

“Young man!” Raleigh raised his head, “What have you seen out there?”

Oscar did not want to speak the truth, moreover he really had no idea how to put that indescribable feelings into words.

“Let me tell you! I’ve been an instructor here for the past twenty-nine years, and I know this place much better than you do. Those guys out there wasting their youth and privilege, they are only here on their parents’ order. What they do here is not to study, but drink excessively, visit prostitutes, and commit all kinds of evil! Therefore, my honourable Highness Prince, don’t go out so often and distant yourself from those dregs of the academy.”

“Don’t tell me that… that there is not one student here with firm thoughts and actually wants to study?” Oscar felt that his mentor only said these things to frighten him.

“Of course! Of course, there is!” General Raleigh had a habit of blowing at this moustache when he spoke, and right now his moustache fluttered under the blows of his own warm breath.

“However, these talented and ambitious young men have all left the academy. They would rather endure great hardships in remote military regions to command a squadron than to join these academy scoundrels in their evil doing.”

Oscar listened to the bizarre comment and looked at his mentor in disbelief.

“Haha! You’re doubting my reasons for telling you all these. Normally I would not discredit the academy but instead be boasting about how well it is doing,” General Raleigh said while moving himself up from his seat, and immediately Oscar noticed his mentor had a slight limp on his right leg.

Instructor Lieutenant General knocked lightly on his injured feet with his instructor’s pointer, and a crisp metallic sound was heard loud and clear.

“When I was younger, I left my right leg in Narcissus County forever. That battle was conducted by one of your uncles, and it was him who saved my life! Oh, right! Look at this!” with difficulty the general removed his shoe and rolled up the right bottom of his trousers to reveal a solid metal rod.

Oscar was astonished at his discovery, on this metallic artificial limb was carved with numerous signatures.

“One of them belongs to your father!” General Raleigh declared proudly. “It is the tradition of Narcissus Knights to gift their injured comrades, also they would carve their names on the injurer’s artificial limb as to signify they would be always fighting by our side.”

Oscar straightened his spine at this serious topic. Obviously, this general in front of him used to serve for his family, and could be singled out as one respectable combat hero.

“Therefore, young man! Don’t doubt my intention, I will discipline the marshal’s son on his behalf! Don’t say I’ve not warned you, if you ever do anything disgraceful in University Town, or if your academic result does not meet my requirement, I will definitely kick your ass with this metallic souvenir from your family! And I promise that you would be reminded of this lesson each time you use the toilet!”

“Lieutenant General O’Neil Andrew Morisette, Commanding Officer of Dulin Imperial Military Academy Class 39th of the Imperial Guards Research of War History! Do you understand the words of your mentor?”

Oscar performed an impeccable military salute, “Yes! General!”

Raleigh Thomas nodded his head to display satisfaction, “Then… take this!”

Oscar almost stumbled in order to catch the unusually thick book that was thrown his way.

“There is only one requirement for the entrance exam, which is glossary interpretation. Listen up, if you can’t score full marks on this, then pack your things and get back to Dulin.”

Oscar glanced at the heavy book in his arms, “Dictionary of Military Glossary!”, the young man ran his hand gently over his chest that was hit by the thick book. Initially he thought his mentor was someone who was kind and easy to talk to, but now? He realised he was the strictest and sternest person he has ever encountered.

After bidding goodbye to the old Narcissus Knight, Oscar scrambled his way through the tall buildings over the campus to have an audience with the dean of the academy. In today’s Titan, not counting those who have retired or conferred posthumous honors, the Empire Imperial Army was now left with only four officially registered marshals, which included Military Affairs Chancellor Marshal Alan, Chief of Staffs of Imperial Guards Marshal Valier Cypress, Dean of the Imperial Military Academy Marshal Robin Sparse, and the last one being the Duke of Andrew, Marshal of the Narcissus Knight Dortmund Andrew Nedgabel.

It was without doubt that these four marshals have contributed some distinguished feats in the history, but among them only Marshal Dortmund’s position could not be shaken. As for the rest of them, rumor had it that they were always trying to pull each other down.

The prince has heard of some rumors spreading across Dulin that mentioned the fierce contest that broke out between the three marshals, and the results revealed clearly their worth. Silver Fox Alan was still in command of the Imperial army, and Chief of Staffs of Imperial Guards Marshal Valier Cypress did not lose much power as well, hence Marshal Robin was the one who suffered the most from the fight between them three. Oscar was unsure of the post held previously by this marshal, but obviously he was already out of the game.

Marshal Robin Sparse and Marshal Valier Cypress were actually members of the same clan, both their family names inherited the ancient taboo. As two different branches of the Cypress family, these two who should have been brothers unfortunately became rivals. In fact, Silver Fox Alan was the one to blame. If it wasn’t for him who manipulated the personal grudges between the two men, perhaps the way for decision of power would have been different.

Robin Sparse was defeated, and was required to retreat from the armed force to become the dean of the kindergarten. It was not the most eminent position to say, but it wasn’t exactly of the lowest as well. In Imperial Military Academy, one of the taboo topic to talk about was those favorite pupils of Marshal Rubin, because almost all of those who were favoured by the marshal were marginalized by the Imperial army.

Soon enough, Marshal Robin finally came to realisation of his own predicament. Eventually, he gave up. At least to the eyes of outsiders this veteran soldier whose military accomplishments and commanding ability was not any inferior to those of Marshal Alan had finally gave up. He now lived a simple and relaxed life in Sparjoxin, only having to instruct two periods of War History Theory course each week, as the rest of the affairs of the academy were handled by the administration department.

If the weather was pleasant, Marshal Alan would go hunting in the woods, or go fishing by the lakeside. However, as it was winter now the old man could not go outdoor but only stayed home to work on the antique sand table. As a Marshal who did not have even one soldier, he could only play pretend on the sand table.

Oscar met with the dean at the marshal’s villa. Just as expected, the old man was extremely courteous but still kept a distance between him and the prince. The conversation exchanged between them was as plain and boring as the tea served, Oscar spent tremendous amount of patience to fix himself on the low, simple couch, but he believed the same was true of the old man sitting opposite.

The only thing that made the prince astonished from his whole meeting with the old man was that the words of advice given by the marshal was exactly the same as what General Raleigh Thomas said to him earlier.

“Young man! Stay home and study hard, don’t get distracted by the people and things around you.”

Oscar quivered slightly, “Is University Town so terrifying?” Perhaps it was the young man’s rebellion, he itched to have a go at things the adults advised him not to.

The prince’s new mansion was located in the north of the city, right on the back street of Dulin Imperial Academy of Medicine. After two days of reorganizing its interior, the mansion with a massive front courtyard was fit to move into. Young Lady did not retain much of the furnishings from the previous owner, she preferred the furniture she brought from Dulin.

Most servants were transferred from Kenshin Palace, including Lady Keegan who accompanied her husband to Sparjoxin. It was apparent that she made herself a member of the prince’s family, moreover the moving operation could not function smoothly without her anyway.

It was already late afternoon when Oscar arrived at his new house. The ladies of the house were all waiting for his return patiently, as the ancient tradition demanded women to never begin a meal without the return of the male master.

The prince sat straight on the host seat of the dining table, he has not had a good rest since he went out from the morning, and he was lethargic although he has not done much throughout the day.

Dinner was nothing special but the prince was rather satisfied. Lady Keegan explained it was because the kitchen has not been properly put into order yet. The prince was fond of the grilled seabass mixed with garlic and green peppers, the bread and light refreshments were not too bad as well! Perhaps because they were situated in University Town, the chef of the house already got used with some northerners’ habits; white bread was cut into fingers’ length to be eaten with delicious fish soup and sweet beet juice.

“Shall we be prepared for the mains now?” Oscar said excitedly.

The Prince’s wish was granted almost immediately by the kitchen chief, who was an Italian man with a big tummy. Italians were even more passionate in culinary than the Farans, they were creative in putting together different dishes originated from distinct places into yet another brand-new dish.

The mains were served shortly, which consisted of ten roasted quails in total. Succulent quails were roasted into perfect golden color and placed in a circle surrounding the edge of the massive plate, in the center were tiny fried quail eggs and some first-class tuna caviar.

Young Lady did the job herself and served each person at the dining table with one steaming hot quail. Everyone expressed their gratitude with an understanding smile, they knew only the lady host of a family could execute this task.

Oscar took one bite of the dish and revealed yet another satisfied smile. Relieved, the kitchen chief finally retreated back to the kitchen.

“Ola! Tell me, my ladies! How was your day? Did the study application go well?” It was hard to come by for the prince to lay down his cutleries in the midst of a meal.

“I want to go first!” Sasha was the first to raise her hand, like a small kid impatient to speak in class. Everyone seated on the table laughed at the eager child.

“Department of History in Dulin University, honestly, it really is the palace of learning! Professors shout across the room to have their opinions heard, and students exchange their thoughts in hallway and libraries, wearing neat uniforms and hats. Overall, I was extremely pleased at everything, except for that president.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Lady Antonia asked, deeply concerned.

Sasha lower her voice, and revealed a sly smile.

“That old man thought I never noticed! While he was removing my overcoat, I found him peeking into the inside of my formal dress!”

Oscar pointed toward the King of Assassins seated at the end of the dining table, “My dear sister, he’s the perfect example of hooligan. Take a good look at him, for future reference!”

“No!” Sasha shook her head, “Sir Basinger is a rascal with principle, at least he wouldn’t make his moves on the ladies in the house.”

Doramy initially wanted to fight back, but found himself laughing out loud.

“Then I’ll go second!” claimed Fenrar Donaute, the prince’s medical intern. “Imperial Academy of Medicine is massive! Um… and also very proper! There are loads of peculiar subjects, and I’ve selected surgical and nursing courses. The admission process also went smoothly, my mentor is an old professor who is said to be of good reputation, but I’m not too sure about the specific situation.”

“Can you tell me the name of that guy?” Poison Doctor asked, he sounded slightly irritated.

“Lord Kurd!”

Poison Doctor frowned, “Unfortunately, your mentor is an old stubborn man, I’m much better than him!”

Oscar smiled and raised his glass, “Of course he is, because he stole away your favorite pupil.”

“No!” Miss Fenrar quickly shook her hands in disapproval, “It’s not like that, Mr Percy is my one and only mentor. That Lord Kurd, his value only equals to the degree I don’t really care about.”

“Percy, I have to say, you teach your student well.”

Doctor Poison toasted to the compliment, it was obvious that he was proud of his favorite pupil.

The prince called to finish the meal as Miss Aeolia parted her lips to say something. It appeared that he did not intend for her to make her speech.

Young Lady invited her brother for a cup of tea in the main hall. Other people attended the tea session too but soon it was only left with the two siblings.

“I felt that you were evading some issues just now by engaging in trivial matters,” Oscar stated honestly.

“When?” Young Lady answered with a question.

“About your enrolment! You are obviously not telling me the whole truth, if not you wouldn’t be talking nonsense about that pervert old man.”

Sasha nodded slightly while kicking off her slippers, then she positioned herself comfortably on the Polar Bear Sofa.

“My brother, it’s not good to always be so sensitive.”

“Tell me!” Oscar insisted. He scooted next to her sister and took her tiny feet into his arms. Sasha was feeling ticklish but she couldn’t seem to escape from her brother’s affection. Nonetheless, it certainly felt good to have her feet warmed up in this cold winter night.

“Alright! Alright! I can’t keep anything from you since young! Dulin University, or rather the whole University Town, is the world of men, and women are not welcomed here. Although I’m Lady Sasha of Andrew House, those dirty-minded students still stare and gaze at me like… like I’m a prize… an object or a prey if it makes any difference.”

Sasha sighed helplessly, “It is the same for the other girls, even though they are also of noble birth and possess high ranks, the women always come second in the palace of learning. What’s worse is that even the president accepts this unequal and extremely biased culture! Although that old man did not say it out loud but I know he certainly thinks that way!”

Oscar felt rather astounded, yet it wasn’t something completely out of expectation.

“My sister, you’re certainly right! Take our House as example, outsiders would never understand why we allow ladies of Andrew to become military officer, they would think that’s a humiliation to the armed forces. However, it is inevitable, as people have moulded a male figure to portray the God of Light, therefore…. naturally… women are…”

“Are always lower than the men, is that right?” Sasha became enraged, but she immediately suppressed this sudden eruption of anger. She knew it was a fact, and also tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years.

“Let’s change a topic!” Young Lady was still dissatisfied, but discussing the issue of equality between men and women would undoubtedly remain fantastic nonsense.

“That’s right! What an excellent idea!”

Sasha blinked her beautiful round eyes, “What about…. what happened between you and Lady Aeolia the…”

Before his sister could finish the sentence O’Neil Andrew Morisette jumped upright like a frightened Raytheon stallion, overturning the side table and breaking a delicate tea set.

“What’s wrong?” What actually happened between the two of you?” the alarmed Sasha leaned backward on the sofa.

“Don’t you know?”

“Obviously not! Oh god! Brother, you look really shaken! Tell me, what actually happened?” Sasha was getting anxious, as far as she remembered she has not seen her brother this frightened before.

Young prince was still trembling with fear, the curly hair on his forehead fluttered along his rapid breathing.

“She has not told you her true identity?” Oscar tried his best to control his voice, but he still couldn’t believe that frightened voice came out of his own mouth.

Sasha was getting more and more confused, “I don’t understand what do you mean? Her true identity?”

“Ha!” the prince snorted, “Our Countess Aeolia is some significant person, I’m guessing there might be a Colonel ranked shoulder strap on that gold colored military uniform of hers!”

Oscar thought about it for a moment and was even more sure of his estimation! “That’s right! She must be a Colonel! The person in charge of secret intelligence of Military Investigation Bureau Dulin Region must at least be a Colonel!”

Sasha opened her mouth in disbelief. “My God! This…this is unbelievable! Ridiculous! You’re saying Aeolia is a senior agent of our House?”

“Goodnight!” out of a sudden Oscar lost all his interest. He planned to go to bed earlier, perhaps with a couple of beautiful women beside him, and forget about this matter that has been bothering him.

“Brother!”

Young Lady called out her brother just as the prince was near the door.

“I think… I believe Aya must have her reasons for doing so.”

Oscar smiled and petted his sister’s head. In fact, Aya did not betray him, it was just Oscar that felt a deep depressing feeling suffocating himself for he had not been told the truth previously.

The moon casted a faint silver light over the cold, empty streets, and the night sky was filled with millions of twinkling stars. Occasionally, a meteor or two would shoot across the night sky like flashes of fireworks.

Oscar did not shut the French windows in his bedroom until he felt his limbs numbed by the cold. The prince had trouble falling asleep. Initially he was hoping to hug Annie to sleep, or maybe go knocking at Miss Fenrar’s door, but he soon changed his mind. Perhaps the cold and bright stars could be his great companion through the night. However just a few moments later, he was disrupted from his meditation by a harsh rap on the door.

“It’s you?” Oscar looked at the person outside his door with astonishment.

“It’s me. Am I not welcomed?” Aeolia smiled, but it did not seem sincere to Oscar’s eyes.

“Not welcome at all!” Oscar did not even think for another moment before shutting the door.

“Your Highness!” Aeolia blocked the door with her heel, “You’re such a petty person. As I’ve told you earlier, my identity does not allow me reveal to you my status, you should know that I’ve no other option.”

“There is another option!” Oscar gave in and opened the door ajar, “Which is for you to stay away from me if there’s nothing urgent! You’re too dangerous, I don’t want to face someone who I don’t know if they’re being true or simply putting up a show.”

Aeolia shrugged nonchalantly, and walked into the prince’s bedroom without being invited. Oscar shook his head at the sight. Only a week ago this girl would not dare to be so bold even if Oscar begged her to do so.

“Your Highness, you’re acting rashly out of spite, you know that I’m only doing my job.”

“Yes, I understand clearly, and I’m sure you are complete competent for the job.”

“So, please allow me to report you the first briefing after I’ve officially taken up the post.”

Oscar declined to comment, and leaned against his bed, waiting to see what she had to say.

“First of all, before I begin, I would like to make this clear!” within seconds Aeolia completely changed into another person, her face changing tactic amazed the prince.

“Say it.”

“My identity remains the highest confidential secret of the House, but today you have spilled the information to the Young Lady in an immensely vulnerable situation! I hope there will not be a next time, which is to say, you’re absolutely prohibited to speak about this to another person!”

Oscar raised his eyebrows in suspicion, “Is it your job to collect information or to spy on me?”

Aeolia shook her head, “I can only say that paying close attention to you is a way of ensuring your own safety thus the only way to protect the family’s interests.”

Oscar did not provide any comment, he knew that some people of the House were worried about him, and old man Berkley, who was in charge of secret affairs, was one of them.

“Continue with your briefing.”

Aeolia took out a document from her pocket and began speaking, “According to the initial investigation of United Army, there is a total of eleven secret agents in action in Kenshin Palace, Swan Hill Castle, and 31 Penelope Road. So far, we can only confirm the identity of seven secret agents to be under Imperial Secret Service Department, the rest of them four are still under investigation. Hopefully we would be able to send in the reports to you latest by next week.”

Oscar took the document and speedily read over it. He discovered a couple of familiar names on the list, “Why should I trust that you’re telling the truth?”

Aeolia raised her head in confusion, “I’m not quite sure what you mean.”

“What I mean is, where did you obtain these information, and from who? Aeolia, you show know that while you’re spying on me, I’m doing the same on you too! I have enough reason to doubt that your source of information is not reliable. You are a part of the family, and I don’t want any misunderstanding to arise between us. Therefore, you better reveal to me your source of information, if not, there might be some unnecessary clash of conflict between us two.”

“Your Highness, you should save the trouble.” Suddenly, Aeolia began laughing, “You’re probing, and I’m not going to fall for your bait. Although the family’s intelligence network in Dulin is in my hands, but I only have one-way contact with a minimal number of leaders. There are numerous secret agents and informants who work under their command, and majority of them have completely no idea who they are serving for. Therefore, the United Army only cares about the authenticity of information collected, as for who was it that provided the intelligence, that does not fall into our consideration.”

Oscar remained silent for a brief moment. He felt oppressed, where did the cute and innocent Aeolia go?

“Next, it’s concerning Her Imperial Highness Princess Alanis. According to reliable sources, Her Highness Princess will visit Faran with the identity of goodwill ambassador.”

Oscar stunned for a couple of seconds, he has not been told about this previously.

“Follow up, the…”

Aeolia was interrupted by the enraged prince. The document she was holding in her hands earlier had been snatched over by the prince and torn into pieces within seconds.

Oscar had had enough of this all! His patience was limited!

“Tell me! Is this your original intention? Say the truth! Is this your own intention, or is it a set up by old Berkley from Military Investigation Bureau?”

Aeolia felt a bitterness spreading over her mouth, “Are you… you still cannot stop thinking about what happened?”

“How can I forget?” Oscar kicked at the bedside table forcefully and it flew across the room. following the loud thump, the young man’s panting became louder and clearer.

“You want to see me being played by a brilliant secret spy like a fool, that is what you want to see, isn’t it? Enjoy looking me being fooled and deceived, and enjoy this stupefying look on my face now! Then you would say to me like you did earlier, “Your Highness, I’m only doing my job!”.”

Oscar paced around the room, enraged. Suddenly thoughts of killing and destroying swallowed his mind.

“I… I’m an orphan!” Aeolia’s voice is as light as a feather, it seemed that she did not care about the prince who was already washed over by rage. “My parents passed away when I was young, and I was under the foster care of my distant relative, living a life lowlier than a servant although I have the noble title of Lady. I am grateful for you have chosen my grandfather to be your teacher in the prison, in exchange I was taken in by the care of Andrew House. I have to admit, it was Andrew that provided me a new life, I started to have new clothes, new shoes, and even new hats! A lady taught me how to differentiate jewels from crystals. An officer showed me the right way to use small knives and daggers. An actor instructed me on how to read a script and grasp the essence of any role. A pickpocket trained me how to quickly steal any objects within seconds. And an old man, he educated me how to imitate and count, which were my favorite lessons out of all! In short, my life only began after being introduced to Fierce Tiger and Narcissus. I belong to Andrew, I serve for Andrew, I devote myself to Andrew, and I…”

Without reason, Oscar forcefully pinned the blabbering Aya down to the ground!

“That is to say, I have to blame my family! For turning you into a monster who is contented in living under false masks and lies!”

Aya struggled to sit up, “No! Like I said! My decision has nothing to do with the family. When I was about to pass the final assessment of the United Army, I accepted the task without hesitation!”

“That why do you still talk so much? I will never pity you! And I will never forget the way you lied to my face!”

“What can I do to make you receive me again?” Aeolia screamed hysterically.

“Oh! This is what you care about!” Aya suddenly thought of an idea.

The countess tore off her clothes out of the blue, revealing most of her snow-white chest.

“This is what you care about, right? Delicious prey that was so close to becoming your prize suddenly became a subordinate who challenges you, so you’re not able to reconcile to it! And you’re absolutely disappointed! Am I right? Now come! Come at me! I willingly…”

A strong wind roared across the bedroom. Oscar looked at his hand in disbelief, did he just hit her?

Aeolia fell to the side of the bed in a weird angle, at the corner of her mouth was spilling with fresh red blood.

The fresh red blood stunned the prince’s mind, that eye-catching redness confused his mind! confusing! It was crazy! Oscar felt the world was rotating and zooming into the girl lying down on the ground.

“If this is what you yearn for! Then I’ll give it to you as you wish!”

Oscar rode over the countess’s body, and fumbled underneath the girl’s dress like a possessed madman. A mysterious atmosphere exuded from the snow-white thigh, the secret confinement between her two legs seemed to be revealing an ancient riddle. Oscar’s hand explored crazily underneath the skirt that had been torn into pieces as the girl groaned in pain. She grabbed the man’s hair and kept trying to pull him away from her.

He suddenly grabbed at Aya’s arm and pinned it down with full force!

“Now you’re refusing? Why so? Weren’t you so eager and impatient just seconds ago?”

Finally, Aya cried. Both her legs were firmly pressed under the man’s body, and her hands were tied with some pieces of broken cloth on the iron candlesticks by him. Oscar murmured along string of words to himself, while his lips and saliva travelled hastily on the girl’s naked body.

Oscar wrapped himself tightly around the girl’s waist, and he exhausted his full body strength to hold up Aeolia before throwing her onto bed. The man’s firm swelling was near to exploding, which heralded the final mission must be completed immediately!

But hold on a second! Oscar was attracted by the sound on the ground, it sounded like something was rolling on the ground.

Oscar noticed the source of the sound, and discovered that it was the golden coin that was produced to commemorate his birthday! Now it was lying on the ground quietly. The prince pushed away the girl fiercely, how ironic! The Aya who he had saved initially looked exactly the same with the present leader of the secret agents, except that the former savior became the person who assaulted her.

Oscar gathered the pieces of torn cloths randomly and threw them onto the naked girl’s body. Finally, he picked up the piece of golden coin, which he then threw it over to the same direction. It landed on Aya’s belly, and the cold touch made the girl shivered.

“I will not let you be satisfied!” Oscar gasped for air, “You’re still carrying it, which means that inside of you there is still guilt and shame! Your performance was indeed wonderful! You stimulated my inner fierceness and provoked my desire, but if you think you can wash away the guilt by sacrificing your body? Let me tell you! I will not let your wish come true!”

The door was slammed! The prince departed from his bedroom, and he stopped to listen closely to the crying noise coming from the hallway behind him. In the end, he finally gave up. Only one candle in the hallway was left to be burned out. Perhaps, when it went out, everything would still be the same as before.

Oscar finally waited until the light cleared, and the darkness enveloped him. Suddenly, he realized, that he was only just an ordinary man.